Planning a ‘Krank’ Christmas and getaway with accessibility in mind

Navigating the holidays creates some logistical problems for my family.

It’s not because there are nine of us. We might be a big family, but if we can all fit in our average-sized, ranch-style home, then we can fit in most homes. Having three power wheelchair users in the family does make getting into many houses a challenge, however.

My husband, Jason, and I have seven children: Lexi, 24; Max, 20; Chance, 18; Rowen, 16; Charlie, 14; Mary, 11; and Callie, 3.

Max, Rowen, and Charlie all live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). All three were able to walk when they were younger and, during those years, we often traveled out of town to stay with family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have lots of pictures from those years that I treasure. My scrapbook is full of photos of my little boys sitting by a tree, all lit up, the kids opening gifts with cousins, and hugging and kissing their grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles.

Our extended family is close and loves our children very much. They still have open arms and doors for us during the holiday season, but their homes were not made for wheelchair users. Most homes are not. Our house wasn’t accessible once, either, and it didn’t become that way until it became necessary.

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We have still traveled to see family in the years since the boys started using their wheelchairs full time, but not as often as we once did.

We have several portable ramps that help our sons get into houses and have enabled us to visit with family. However, getting into a home is one thing, and being able to access the entire house or fit into a bathroom is something else. Making it all work involves a tremendous amount of extra work for Jason and me, and it can add stress and exhaustion to the holidays.

So we mostly stay home. It’s easy to care for the boys at home, as the ceiling lifts, bathroom, and their beds were all installed with their comfort in mind.

But we have missed socializing during the holidays, so this year, we are doing two new things that allow my family, including Max, Rowen, and Charlie, to see friends and family in an accessible space that everyone can enjoy.

First, we are hosting a holiday party at our house, a first for us. We have had birthday parties, graduation parties, and a pool party or two, but never a Christmas party. I go all out with decorations, a tree in every room, lights galore, Santas smiling from every wall and shelf. Why not make it a party?

My inspiration is “Christmas with the Kranks,” with everyone packed in to enjoy festive music, snacks, drinks, and each other. To have extra space, I’m going to bring patio furniture into the garage and string lights on our outdoor umbrellas. This party is mostly for neighbors and local friends that we don’t often get to see during the holidays. We sent out e-invites and have had a good response so far.

Second, my brother-in-law has planned a Christmas weekend at a lodge for his family and invited our family, including Lexi and her husband, and Chance’s girlfriend. My husband’s mom, her sister, her brother, and their families will all be there, too. We plan to eat big meals together, play games, and look at the thousands of Christmas lights the lodge puts up on the property. It also has outdoor paths that are accessible to our sons. We’re excited about spending Christmas with our extended family.

It’s taken a little more planning than when our family was young, but this holiday season is going to look a lot like the ones from years ago, and I hope to add more pages of photos of my kids with their cousins, aunts, and uncles to my scrapbooks.

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.